Vlatko Andonovski rues USA missed chances despite World Cup victory over Vietnam
USA head coach Vlatko Andonovski believes his side didn't make the most of their dominance in their opening Women's World Cup game, despite recording a 3-0 win over Vietnam.
Portland Thorns star Sophia Smith got the reigning world champions off the mark inside 14 minutes in Auckland, rifling home from an acute angle after a tidy flick-on by Alex Morgan. Morgan had a chance to get on the scoresheet herself in the first half, however her penalty — won by Trinity Rodman — was beaten away to safety by Vietnam keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh.
A second goal for Smith doubled the USA's advantage on the stroke of half time before captain Lindsey Horan rubber-stamped the win with a smart finish in the second half. However, despite securing the three points, Andonovski believes his side could have made more of their 28 chances.
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«It's always great to get a win, obviously we came here to win the game and we did that. I thought we had a good game but unfortunately, we didn't capitalize on all the great opportunities that we created,» he said in his post-match press conference.
«That is something we are certainly going to focus on in the lead up to the next game. Our focus now immediately shifts to game two.»
The United States are relying heavily on youth at this World Cup, as they bid to win the tournament for a third successive time. 14 of the 23-player squad are making their first appearance at a World Cup, and Andonovski believes that relative inexperience could have had an impact on his side's performance.
«I'm sure the nerves had something to do with it,» he said.
Andonovski's starting XI featured two surprise inclusions, with centre back Julie Ertz
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